Instant Pot Ribs Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These Instant Pot ribs are tender, saucy, and full of smoky BBQ flavor in a fraction of the time it takes to cook ribs low and slow. Whether you're making baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, or pork spare ribs, the pressure cooker helps make them juicy and flavorful with very little hands-on time.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email, and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get delicious new recipes from us every Friday!
They're perfect for summer gatherings, game day, Memorial Day weekend, or anytime you're craving BBQ ribs without heating the grill or smoker.
And while I love grilled foil-wrapped ribs and smoked pork ribs, this Instant Pot ribs recipe is the one I turn to when time is short and everyone is hungry.
Jump to:
Choosing the Best Ribs for the Instant Pot
You can make several kinds of pork ribs in the Instant Pot, but the cooking time will vary depending on the cut.
- Baby Back Ribs: These are smaller, leaner, and usually the most tender ribs to cook in the Instant Pot. Plan on about 2 people per rack.
- St. Louis-Style Ribs: These are meatier than baby back ribs and make delicious pressure cooker ribs. They generally serve 2 to 3 people per rack.
- Pork Spare Ribs: Spare ribs are larger and meatier, so they need a longer cooking time. If you're searching for an Instant Pot spare ribs recipe, this method works beautifully with a full natural release.
How to Prepare Instant Pot Ribs
Cooking ribs the traditional way can take hours, but pressure cooking makes it much faster while still giving you tender, juicy pork ribs.
This recipe works with 1 to 2 racks of ribs. The cooking time depends on whether you're making baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, or spare ribs.
Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Slide a butter knife between the ribs and the membrane to loosen it, then grab a corner with a paper towel and pull it away.
Use a Dry Rub: Combine the spice rub ingredients and rub them over both sides of each rack of ribs. You can use the homemade dry rub in the recipe card or your favorite store-bought BBQ rub.
Prepare the Instant Pot: Place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water, ½ cup of cider vinegar, and ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke. The liquid smoke is optional, but it adds a delicious smoky flavor when you're making ribs indoors.
How Long to Cook Ribs in the Instant Pot
- Baby Back Ribs, 1 rack: Cook on high pressure for 23 minutes, then let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes.
- Baby Back Ribs, 2 racks: Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, then let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes.
- St. Louis-Style Ribs or Pork Spare Ribs: Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then allow a full natural release until the pin drops.
For extra-tender ribs, especially spare ribs, the full natural release helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
Finishing the Instant Pot Pork Ribs
Once the ribs are cooked, carefully transfer them to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush generously with BBQ sauce, then broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce begins to bubble and caramelize.
This quick broil gives Instant Pot ribs that sticky, saucy finish everyone loves.
Easy Instant Pot Ribs
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 pounds pork ribs (1-2 racks)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Spice Rub
- 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the ribs. Then remove the membranes from the back of the ribs and apply a dry rub evenly over both sides using either our favorite rub or a store-bought BBQ rub.
- Place the wire trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in the water, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke if using.
- Place the ribs inside standing upright in the pot on top of the trivet with the meat side facing out and the ribs facing the pot. Lock the lid in place and set the valve to sealing.
- Press "manual" high pressure or "pressure cook" and set the timer. For baby back ribs: Cook on high for 23 minutes. If you're making 2 racks or if your ribs are meatier, increase the time to 25 minutes. Once cooked, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then vent to release remaining pressure.
- For spare ribs: Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes and let the pressure naturally release until the pin drops.
- Meanwhile, set your oven to broil with a rack in the upper third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Transfer the cooked ribs to the foil-lined baking sheet; brush with barbecue sauce. Place the ribs in the oven and boil until the sauce begins to caramelize; about 2 minutes. But keep watch, you don't want the BBQ to burn. Let rest 5 minutes before cutting into portions.
Notes
To Loosen Membrane:
On the backside of the ribs, meat-side down, wiggle a dull knife between the ribs and the membrane to loosen it. Then, with a paper towel, grip the membrane, pull it away, and discard it.Rib Cooking Times:
- Baby Back Ribs: 1 rack of ribs - manual high pressure - 23 minutes - 5 min. natural release
- Baby Back Ribs: 2 racks or more - manual high pressure 25 minutes - 5 min. natural release
- Spare Ribs: manual high pressure 35 minutes - complete natural release until the pin drops
How Many Does 1 Rack of Ribs Serve?
One St. Louis-style rib rack, which is a meatier rack than baby back ribs, will serve 2 to 3 people.Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
More Recipes You May Also Enjoy
If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear your comments and consider giving it a 5-star rating. Explore the recipe index for more easy, delicious ideas, and stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!
Comments
No Comments